Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars — celebrated for his effortless charm in romantic comedies and his commanding presence in action blockbusters — has died at the age of 89.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, paid tribute to the screen icon, describing his passing as “the end of an era in Indian cinema.”
“He was an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played,” Modi said in a message shared on social media.
The veteran actor had been unwell in recent weeks and was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai before his passing.
Across an extraordinary six-decade career, Dharmendra appeared in more than 250 films, served as a member of parliament, and received one of India’s highest civilian honours. His versatility on screen — from heartfelt romance to gripping action — cemented him as one of the country’s most admired performers.
In the 1980s, his rise as an action star earned him the popular title “He-Man” of Indian cinema.
Among his many acclaimed performances, his portrayal of the lovable, mischievous Veeru in the 1975 classic “Sholay” remains one of the most iconic in Bollywood history.
A father of six, Dharmendra also ventured into film production, backing several successful projects featuring his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol.
His final role will be seen in Sriram Raghavan’s “Ikkis” (“Twenty-one”), scheduled for release next month — a fitting final chapter to a legendary career that shaped generations of Indian cinema.
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